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Best Side Control Instructionals: 10 Ranked
Every major side control instructional on BJJ Fanatics, ranked by a black belt for teaching quality, systematic depth, and real-world finishing rates, with BJJ World ratings and named community reviews cross-checked against mat testing.
Heads up: the BJJ Fanatics links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the rankings – every pick is judged on teaching quality and real-world finishing first.
Jump to a pick
- 1. Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South
- 2. New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Side Attacks
- 3. Side Control Setups & Submissions
- 4. Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Side Control
- 5. Essential Connections: Chest to Chest Submissions & Pin Transitions
- 6. The Roger Gracie Side Control System
- 7. The Complete North South Choke
- 8. Cross Side Domination
- 9. The Complete Side Control System
- 10. Side Control Dominance
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionTop Pins: Side Control & North South
Gordon RyanThe most systematic side control attacking system available, with two full volumes of live rolling.
8 vols · no-gi · blue belt+ · $$Side Control Setups & Submissions
Bernardo FariaBJJ World’s only 5/5 rated side control set. Pressure that works at any size, for ~$79.
4 vols · gi · all levels · $New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Side Attacks
John DanaherThe deepest conceptual treatment of side control: dynamic pins, the dorsal position, side crucifix.
8 vols · no-gi · intermediate+ · $$$Side control is the position you land in most often after passing guard, and the difference between holding someone down and actually finishing comes down to systems. I’ve studied every major side control instructional on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced community reviews from BJJ World, Reddit, and specialist blogs, and ranked the 10 best by teaching quality, systematic depth, and real-world finishing rates.
Last updated: March 2026. Prices reflect regular pricing; BJJ Fanatics runs frequent 50%+ sales. Each review below includes specific technique breakdowns, named community quotes, strengths, weaknesses with competitor comparisons, and who should (and shouldn’t) buy it.
Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South
Gordon RyanThe most systematic no-gi side control attacking system available. Gordon connects kimura traps, yoko sankaku, ushiro sankaku, juji gatame, and north south strangles into one unified pinning methodology, with two full volumes of live rolling that prove the system works against resisting opponents.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers the foundation: battle for inside position, side control escape pathways (far side underhook, near side underhook), and submissions including kimura, inverted kata gatame (darce), guillotine, and ankle trap. Volume 2 introduces the side guard concept and methods for stopping knee-elbow connections. Volumes 3-4 cover far arm isolation (kimura to yoko sankaku, gyaku sankaku, juji gatame, cross ashi transitions) and near arm isolation (shin pin to kimura, ushiro sankaku with five finishing options, hantai sankaku). Volumes 5-6 bridge into north south: underclasp kimura entries, high tripod maintenance, north south strangle, and back takes. Volumes 7-8 are complete rolling sessions with detailed commentary.
Why it stands out
- Integrates side control and north south as connected positions rather than siloed topics
- Kimura trap system chains into triangles, armbars, and cross ashi leg entries
- Two full volumes of annotated live rolling show real-time application
- BJJFlowCharts published a dedicated companion flowchart ($29.90) covering the interconnections
Interconnections between moves organized in a step by step and logical fashion.
BJJFlowCharts companion guide
At 8 volumes, the sheer length can overwhelm white and fresh blue belts. No-gi only, so gi practitioners miss lapel choke options that Roger Gracie or Bernardo Faria cover. Danaher’s New Wave Side Attacks covers similar conceptual territory with more theoretical depth on the reasoning behind each step, and at ~$197, Gordon’s set costs more than double Bernardo Faria’s $79 offering.
Advanced no-gi grapplers who want a complete, connected system for finishing from top pins. Competition athletes preparing for ADCC or no-gi tournaments.
you train primarily in the gi, you are a white belt, or you prefer shorter, more focused instructionals.
Danaher’s New Wave Side Attacks for the conceptual backbone, or Bodoni’s Chest to Chest for pin retention fundamentals.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Side Attacks
John DanaherDanaher’s 4-step framework (establish dynamic pin, separate arms, defeat frames, lock up submissions) is the deepest conceptual treatment of side control ever recorded. The dorsal position and side crucifix sub-systems are unique to this set and appear in no other instructional.
What it covers
The system builds from a 4-step framework: (1) establish control through dynamic pinning rather than static holds, (2) add pressure and separate the opponent’s arms, (3) defeat frames using specific sequencing, (4) lock up joint locks and strangles. Covers the 100 kilos position in detail, the dorsal position (a Danaher-specific sub-system), side crucifix entries and attacks, kimura from side control, sankaku setups, juji gatame, and mount transitions. The elbow separation methodology is particularly detailed.
Why it stands out
- 4-step system provides a clear decision framework for the entire position
- Dorsal position and side crucifix entries not found in any other instructional
- Dynamic pinning philosophy replaces the outdated “just hold them down” approach
- Connects to Danaher’s broader New Wave system (escapes, mount, half guard passing)
Simple, Not Easy.
OpenNoteGrappling on the New Wave system philosophy
Danaher’s lecturing style demands patience and concentration. At $349 regular price, it costs nearly 4.5x more than Bernardo Faria’s set. No live rolling footage, unlike Gordon Ryan’s annotated sparring. Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins covers the same positions with more direct, action-oriented instruction. Stephen Whittier’s Pillars offers a more accessible alternative for older practitioners.
Conceptual learners who want to deeply understand the underlying principles of side control. Students already in the Danaher ecosystem who want the complete New Wave system.
you prefer learn-by-example instruction over lectures, you’re budget-conscious, or you want gi-specific techniques.
Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins for the practical application layer, or Danaher’s Positional Escapes for the defensive complement.
Side Control Setups & Submissions
Bernardo FariaBJJ World’s only 5/5 rated side control instructional and their #1 pick in the “Best Side Control Attacks” roundup. Faria’s pressure-based system works regardless of size, age, or athleticism because the core principle is making yourself an immovable object before attacking.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers stabilizing side control: over/under pass to side control, pressure principles, stability, and mount/back control transitions. Volume 2 focuses on submissions: the Marcelo Garcia-style armbar, near and far-side armbars, kimura, wrist locks, and north-south transitional choke. Volume 3 adds knee on belly fundamentals, spinning armbars, north south choke, baseball bat choke, side control omoplata, and monoplata. Volume 4 covers transitional attacks: sprawling to back control, guard re-passing concepts, and back takes when opponents turtle.
Why it stands out
- BJJ World 5/5 rating, the only side control set to earn their perfect score
- Ranked #1 in BJJ World’s “Best Side Control Attacks” roundup
- Pressure teaching puts the “highly elusive concept” of weight distribution into perspective
- Includes monoplata and omoplata from side control, rarely taught elsewhere
The most important aspect of this DVD, and side control in BJJ in general, is pressure, and Faria manages to really put this highly elusive concept into perspective.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (5/5)
Gi-focused, so some lapel-based attacks (baseball bat choke, certain collar grips) don’t translate directly to no-gi. Less systematic than Gordon Ryan’s or Danaher’s framework-based approach. Older production quality compared to 2021+ releases. Doesn’t cover the dorsal position, side crucifix, or triangle entries that Danaher and Gordon Ryan teach. For no-gi specialists, Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins or Bodoni’s Chest to Chest are better fits.
White to purple belts looking for a comprehensive, affordable side control submission system. Gi practitioners. Older grapplers or anyone who relies on pressure over speed. The best first side control instructional to buy.
you train exclusively no-gi, you already have an advanced side control game and want elite-level systems, or you prefer conceptual frameworks over technique collections.
Henry Akins’ Cross Side Domination for deeper pressure/weight distribution principles, or Roger Gracie’s Side Control System for additional gi choke options.
Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Side Control
Paul SchreinerSchreiner is widely regarded as the clearest BJJ instructor working today, and his Zone framework turns the chaos of top side control into organized decision trees. Excellent shoulder pressure instruction fills a gap most other instructionals skip entirely.
What it covers
The Zone framework organizes top side control into clear pathways: shoulder pressure themes (multiple variations), triangle setups, north south choke entries, armbar sequences, crafted mount takes, and back entries. Also covers dealing with common frames and roadblocks, underhook-driven reversals from common pins, arm-trap paths, crucifix options, and seat belt reaction structures. The lesson scaffolding connects each technique to the next, making solo review straightforward.
Why it stands out
- Schreiner’s teaching clarity is consistently praised as the best in the industry
- “Zone” framework organizes side control into clear decision trees
- Shoulder pressure instruction fills a gap most instructionals skip
- Covers attacks AND transitions (mount, back, knee on belly) in one system
Schreiner is an instructor, not a high-level competitor. He lacks the competitive pedigree of Gordon Ryan, Roger Gracie, or Bernardo Faria. Less raw technique volume than Gordon Ryan’s 8-volume set. Missing specific sub-systems like Danaher’s dorsal position or side crucifix. Not as submission-heavy as Bernardo Faria’s set, with more emphasis on transitions and control. For pure submission hunters, Faria’s $79 set offers more finishing variety per dollar.
All belt levels who want an organized, clear system for top side control. Practitioners already using Schreiner’s original Zone Jiu-Jitsu system. Anyone who values teaching clarity over competitive credentials.
you need a high-level competitor’s system for tournament preparation, or you specifically want a submission-heavy approach.
Bernardo Faria’s Side Control Setups for submission variety, or Schreiner’s original Zone Jiu-Jitsu for the complete passing-to-pins system.
Essential Connections: Chest to Chest Submissions & Pin Transitions
Giancarlo BodoniBuilt to solve the most common problem in no-gi grappling: getting to a dominant pin and then losing it. Bodoni’s chest-to-chest connection philosophy teaches you to feel opponent movement before it happens, with four different kipping escape counters that shut down the most common side control escape.
What it covers
The system centers on maintaining chest-to-chest connection as the organizing principle. Covers reverse collar tie from top, shin pin techniques, hip posts, back tracking, and four different methods for shutting down kipping escapes. Submission coverage includes armbars, kimuras, guillotines, arm triangle chokes, and triangle finishes from side. Also covers positional checkpoints, side control to mount transitions, side control to north-south transitions, and side control to back transitions.
Why it stands out
- Chest-to-chest connection philosophy is unique and not covered this way elsewhere
- Four kipping escape counters are invaluable for no-gi top players
- 6 volumes in ~6 hours is well-paced, not bloated like 8+ volume sets
- 8.5/10 from BJJ World as part of the Essential Connections bundle review
Staying tight to people in BJJ is usually a good idea.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8.5/10)
Bodoni is still early in his teaching career compared to veterans like Danaher, Faria, or Akins. Less community discussion and reviews than Gordon Ryan’s or Danaher’s instructionals. For pure side control depth, Danaher’s 8-volume set goes deeper on the theoretical foundation. Kimura and triangle systems are less developed than in Gordon Ryan’s dedicated treatments.
Intermediate no-gi grapplers who can get to dominant positions but struggle to keep them. Modern competitors who want the New Wave-adjacent approach from an active 2x ADCC champion. Those who prefer a concise (6 hours) rather than encyclopedic treatment.
you train primarily in the gi, you already have excellent pin retention, or you want a deep conceptual framework (get Danaher instead).
Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins for the complete submission system from top, or Bodoni’s other Essential Connections modules (chest-to-back, half guard passing).
The Roger Gracie Side Control System
Roger GracieThe greatest gi competitor of all time shares his side control system: a clean path from pin to mount built around devastating lapel chokes. Roger’s paper cutter choke instruction is considered among the best available, and his “side control bully” concept is a framework for total positional dominance.
What it covers
Volume 1 focuses on control: side control variations, 100 kilos position, and kimura grip applications. Volume 2 covers chokes: the lapel choke from side control, detailed paper cutter choke instruction, wristlock setups, and mount transitions. Volume 3 introduces sequence attacks: baseball bat choke, triangle setup from side control, and the “side control bully” positioning concept. Volume 4 covers transitioning: arm control options, progressions to mount and back, and straight armlock from side control.
Why it stands out
- Paper cutter choke instruction from the 10x World Champion who perfected it
- “Side control bully” concept for total positional dominance
- Clear, simple system connecting side control to mount (Roger’s signature path)
- 4 compact volumes with zero fluff
A modern instructional with four volumes and a clear-cut structure, providing great details on key aspects of controlling the side control position and finishing from it.
BJJ World
Gi-only. The lapel chokes, paper cutter, and baseball bat choke all require the gi. Roger’s teaching style is less detailed and systematic than Danaher’s or Gordon Ryan’s. No north south coverage (Gordon Ryan’s set covers both positions). Less pressure instruction than Henry Akins’ Cross Side Domination. Fewer community reviews than Bernardo Faria’s set.
Gi competitors who want the proven system of the greatest gi competitor ever. Those who play a pressure top game leading from side control to mount. Excellent companion to Roger’s Mount System instructional.
you train no-gi, you want a conceptual framework rather than a technique collection, or you need detailed step-by-step instruction (Danaher is better for that).
Roger Gracie’s Mount System for the complete pin-to-finish pathway, or Bernardo Faria’s set for more submission variety from side control.
The Complete North South Choke
Marcelo GarciaMarcelo Garcia changed the perception that the north-south choke is only for big, strong fighters. This set includes previously unreleased details about chest adjustments before setting the choke that BJJ World called “a crucial and never before shared detail.”
What it covers
Part 1 covers fundamentals: arm blocking, grip concepts, elbow positioning, base mechanics using toes, alignment, and the critical chest adjustment before setting the choke. Part 2 covers entries and setups from half guard top, mount, and various top positions, including head turn countering and arm sneaking techniques. Part 3 introduces the arm-in variation, leg integration for grip-breaking, and knee usage for defeating frames. Part 4 covers advanced setups from knee-on-belly, armbar transitions, arm trapping, double arm wrap finishing, and single-arm finishing methods.
Why it stands out
- The definitive north-south choke resource from the undisputed master of the technique
- Previously unreleased chest adjustment detail changed how this choke is taught
- Covers entries from multiple positions (half guard, mount, knee on belly)
- Arm-in variation and advanced finishing details not available elsewhere
The BJJ instructional of the year.
BJJ World
Narrow focus: this covers only the north-south choke and related entries, not a complete side control system. Doesn’t cover armbars, kimuras, or back takes from side control. For a comprehensive side control game, you need this plus another instructional for non-choke attacks. Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins covers north south attacks alongside side control in one package. Teaching style is less conceptual/systematic than Danaher or Gordon Ryan.
Anyone who wants to add the north-south choke to their arsenal. Smaller grapplers who want a choke that doesn’t require size or strength. Perfect complement to a broader side control system.
you want a complete side control system (this is a single-technique deep dive), or you already finish the north-south choke consistently.
Bernardo Faria’s Side Control Setups for the surrounding submission system, or Marcelo’s Complete Side Control System for the full top game.
Cross Side Domination
Henry AkinsRickson Gracie lineage “invisible jiu-jitsu” applied to side control. Akins teaches weight distribution details that make your top game feel 20-30 lbs heavier without using strength. He had his training partner hum during demonstrations to audibly show how proper weight distribution restricts breathing.
What it covers
Covers weight distribution from cross side, armbars, multiple lapel choke variations, kimura setups, seatbelt grip management, clean choke mechanics, frame collapsing methodology, space absorption techniques, and angle adjustments that kill frames. The focus is on learning one connected method for making your weight effective, rather than memorizing a giant move list. Includes passes that stick into stable pins.
Why it stands out
- Unmatched instruction on weight distribution and pressure from side control
- Based on Rickson Gracie lineage, fundamentals-focused, principle-based
- “Invisible details” that make your side control feel dramatically heavier
- Focus on one connected method rather than a giant technique list
His partner hummed to audibly demonstrate the effect of weight distribution on their ability to breathe.
Hidden Jiu-Jitsu demonstration
At $279, the most expensive per-volume side control instructional on this list. Akins is not a high-level competitor; his credentials are teaching lineage, not competition medals. For submission hunters, Bernardo Faria’s set offers more finishing variety at a fraction of the price. Teaching can feel “too conceptual” for practitioners who want clear technique steps. Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins covers pressure AND a complete submission system. Reddit reception is polarized.
Gi practitioners who have “enough techniques” but can’t make side control stick. Older grapplers who want to maximize pressure without athleticism. Students who value deep principle understanding.
you’re on a budget ($279 is steep for 4 volumes), you want a high-competition-credential instructor, or you prefer technique-heavy instructionals over principle-based ones.
Bernardo Faria’s Side Control Setups for the submission variety that Akins’ set lacks, or Stephen Whittier’s Pillars for the age-friendly systematic approach.
The Complete Side Control System
Marcelo GarciaA 9x World Champion’s full side control system that connects arrival, control, submissions, and transitions into one package. The signature MG armbar setup and monoplata transitions are techniques you won’t find taught this way anywhere else.
What it covers
Covers arriving and securing side control, underhook escape counters, elbow inside techniques, back takes from side control, monoplata and omoplata transitions, the signature MG armbar setup, knee on belly variations, leg cleaning and escape counters, frame breaking and escape prevention, mount transitions, and finishing chokes and arm locks.
Why it stands out
- Signature MG armbar and monoplata transitions taught by the originator
- Both gi and no-gi applicable from a 9x World Champion
- Connects to Marcelo’s other instructionals (North South Choke, Mount, Back Attacks)
- Good entry point for Marcelo’s top game system
Still credit MG for foundational x-guard and north-south choke success.
r/bjj practitioners
Less community discussion and reviews compared to his North South Choke set. Bernardo Faria’s side control set gets higher ratings and more specific praise from BJJ World. Not as systematically organized as Danaher’s or Gordon Ryan’s approach. For gi players, Roger Gracie’s side control system is more competition-tested at the highest levels.
Fans of Marcelo Garcia’s style. Practitioners who already have his North South Choke and want to round out the side control game. Works for all belt levels.
you want the deepest possible system (Danaher or Gordon Ryan go further), or you’re looking specifically for gi competition techniques (Roger Gracie is better).
Marcelo’s Complete North South Choke for the devastating choke finish, or his Back Attacks system for the transition game.
Side Control Dominance
Andre GalvaoEight hours of side control content from a dual 6x IBJJF and 6x ADCC World Champion. Galvao’s dynamic, athletic approach covers the full range from stabilization to transitions to submissions, with extensive mount and back take pathways.
What it covers
Covers side control stabilization and escape prevention, mount transitions (stepping over, sliding over, avoiding half guard traps), back takes against escaping opponents, seatbelt grips from side control, S-mount transitions, 360 back takes, guillotine from side control, arm triangle choke, north south choke, Americana, multiple armbar variations, and kimura setups.
Why it stands out
- 8 hours of content from a dual IBJJF and ADCC champion
- Extensive mount and back take transitions beyond just submissions
- Competition-tested at the highest gi and no-gi levels
- Dynamic, athletic style offers options for younger practitioners
Included in BJJ World’s Best Side Control roundup alongside Bernardo Faria and Stephen Whittier.
BJJ World recommended list
Fewer community reviews and discussion than Faria’s, Gordon Ryan’s, or Danaher’s sets. Gi-focused, limiting no-gi applicability for some techniques. Teaching style receives less praise than Schreiner’s or Danaher’s clarity. For pure submissions from side, Bernardo Faria’s set is more focused and better reviewed. At 8 hours, could feel padded compared to Roger Gracie’s tight 4-volume system.
Gi competitors who want a comprehensive top game from a dual IBJJF/ADCC champion. Practitioners who value both competition credentials and a wide technique base.
you want the most efficient treatment (Roger Gracie is tighter), you train primarily no-gi, or you prefer systematic frameworks over technique collections.
Bernardo Faria’s Side Control Setups for the pressure fundamentals, or Galvao’s Guard Passing instructionals for the complete top game.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South | Gordon Ryan | 8 volumes (6 instructional + 2 live rolling with commentary) | Blue belt and above | No-gi | No-gi system | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Side Attacks | John Danaher | 8 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-gi | Most conceptual framework | $$$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Side Control Setups & Submissions | Bernardo Faria | 4 volumes | All levels, white belt through black belt | Gi (applicable to no-gi) | Value / for beginners | $ | Check price → |
| 4 | Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Side Control | Paul Schreiner | 4 volumes | All belt levels | Gi and no-gi applicable | Clearest teaching | $ | Check price → |
| 5 | Essential Connections: Chest to Chest Submissions & Pin Transitions | Giancarlo Bodoni | 6 volumes (~6 hours) | Intermediate no-gi grapplers | No-gi | Pin retention | $ | Check price → |
| 6 | The Roger Gracie Side Control System | Roger Gracie | 4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced gi competitors | Gi | Gi system | $ | Check price → |
| 7 | The Complete North South Choke | Marcelo Garcia | 4 volumes | All belt levels | Gi and no-gi | Single technique | $ | Check price → |
| 8 | Cross Side Domination | Henry Akins | 4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced, especially older grapplers | Gi (concepts translate to no-gi) | For pressure | $$$ | Check price → |
| 9 | The Complete Side Control System | Marcelo Garcia | 4 volumes | All belt levels | Gi and no-gi | Complete system | $ | Check price → |
| 10 | Side Control Dominance | Andre Galvao | 4 volumes (8 hours total) | Intermediate gi competitors | Gi | Comprehensive gi top game | $ | Check price → |
Why these three picks?
Why these three picks?
Each pick dominates a different side control niche:
- Gordon Ryan (#1) earns the top spot for the most complete no-gi attacking system from side control. Eight volumes covering kimura traps, yoko sankaku, ushiro sankaku, juji gatame, darce chokes, and north south strangles, all connected into one pinning methodology. Two full volumes of live rolling with commentary prove the system works against resisting opponents. BJJFlowCharts published a dedicated companion flowchart for this set.
- Bernardo Faria (#2) gets the featured slot because his set earned BJJ World’s only 5/5 rating for a side control instructional and ranked #1 in their roundup. At ~$79, four volumes covering Marcelo Garcia-style armbars, baseball bat chokes, monoplata, and back takes deliver more finishing variety per dollar than any competitor. Ognen Dzabirski at BJJ World wrote that Faria puts the “highly elusive concept” of pressure “into perspective” better than anyone.
- John Danaher (#3) takes the conceptual depth slot with a 4-step framework: establish dynamic pin, separate arms, defeat frames, lock up submissions. His unique sub-systems (dorsal position, side crucifix entries) appear in no other instructional. OpenNoteGrappling described the approach as “Simple, Not Easy,” and it integrates with Danaher’s broader New Wave system for escapes, mount, and half guard passing.
Which side control instructional fits your game?
Answer a few questions to find the right side control instructional for your game.
Pricing & deals
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales, often 50% off sitewide with daily deals stacking up to 75% off. The prices below are approximate regular prices. Wait for a sale if you can.
| Instructional | Volumes | Regular Price | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gordon Ryan Top Pins | 8 | ~$197 | No-Gi |
| Danaher Side Attacks | 8 | ~$349 | No-Gi |
| Bernardo Faria SC | 4 | ~$79 | Gi |
| Schreiner Zone SC | 4 | ~$77 | Both |
| Bodoni Chest to Chest | 6 | ~$77 | No-Gi |
| Roger Gracie SC | 4 | ~$77 | Gi |
| Marcelo N/S Choke | 4 | ~$77 | Both |
| Akins Cross Side | 4 | ~$279 | Gi |
| Marcelo SC System | 4 | ~$77 | Both |
| Galvao SC Dominance | 4 | ~$77 | Gi |
Side control glossary
Side control glossary
- 100 Kilos – A side control variation where your full weight rests on the opponent’s torso, both hips flat to the mat. Danaher covers this extensively in his Side Attacks set.
- Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold) – Side control variation with head control and arm trapped under your armpit. Common in judo and traditional BJJ.
- North South – A pinning position where you face the opponent’s feet, chest on chest. Home to the north south choke that Marcelo Garcia made famous.
- Dorsal Position – A Danaher-specific sub-system from side control where you angle toward the opponent’s back while maintaining chest pressure.
- Side Crucifix – A control position from side where you isolate both of the opponent’s arms, one under your hip and one controlled by your legs.
- Yoko Sankaku – Side triangle. A triangle choke applied from side control rather than from guard.
- Paper Cutter Choke – A gi-specific choke from side control using the lapel across the throat with a cutting motion. Roger Gracie’s signature finish.
- Kimura Trap – Using the kimura grip as a control position to chain into submissions (armbar, back take, triangle) rather than just finishing the shoulder lock.
- Kipping Escape – An explosive hip escape from bottom side control. Bodoni’s Chest to Chest covers 4 counters to this.
- Dynamic Pin – Danaher’s concept of using movement and pressure adjustments rather than static holds to maintain side control.
FAQ
What is the best side control instructional for beginners?
Bernardo Faria’s Side Control Setups and Submissions is the best starting point. It earned BJJ World’s only 5/5 rating for a side control instructional, costs around $79, and teaches pressure-based fundamentals that work from white belt through black belt. The teaching style is accessible and the techniques don’t require athleticism.
Gordon Ryan vs Danaher: which side control instructional should I buy?
Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins is better if you want a practical, action-oriented system with live rolling footage showing techniques applied against resisting opponents. Danaher’s New Wave Side Attacks is better if you’re a conceptual learner who wants to understand the underlying principles and framework. Gordon’s set covers more raw technique; Danaher’s set explains more of the reasoning. Ideally, get both: Danaher for the theory, Gordon for the application.
Are these side control instructionals worth it on sale?
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (50% off sitewide, daily deals stacking up to 75% off). At sale prices, instructionals like Bernardo Faria’s set ($40-50), Paul Schreiner’s Zone SC ($40-50), and Marcelo Garcia’s North South Choke ($40-50) become extremely good value. Even premium sets like Gordon Ryan’s Top Pins drop to ~$100 on good sale days.
What is the best no-gi side control instructional?
Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control and North South is the best no-gi side control instructional. It covers the most complete system with 8 volumes of kimura chains, triangles, armbars, and north south attacks, plus 2 volumes of live rolling footage. For a more concise option, Giancarlo Bodoni’s Chest to Chest (6 volumes, ~6 hours) focuses specifically on pin retention and transitions.
What is the best gi side control instructional?
For gi, Roger Gracie’s Side Control System is the top pick if you want competition-proven chokes (paper cutter, baseball bat) and the side-control-to-mount pathway. Bernardo Faria’s Side Control Setups and Submissions is better for beginners and offers more submission variety at a lower price point. Both are excellent; Faria for breadth, Roger for the choke game.
How long does it take to study a side control instructional?
A 4-volume set like Bernardo Faria’s or Roger Gracie’s takes about 4-6 hours to watch and 2-4 weeks of focused drilling to start applying. An 8-volume set like Gordon Ryan’s or Danaher’s takes 8-12 hours to watch and 1-3 months to absorb meaningfully. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Pick 2-3 techniques per session and drill them.
Still deciding which side control system to buy?
If you can only buy one, start with Bernardo Faria for value and fundamentals, Gordon Ryan for the complete no-gi system, or Roger Gracie for the gi. BJJ Fanatics runs 50%+ sales constantly, so check today’s deals before you commit.
